'Swing for the Kids' scholarships changing children's lives

VIR's Swing for Kids Scholarship Fund always diligently accompanies and supports children to overcome difficulties. On this journey, we remember the stories, expectant eyes and joy of children.

More than 120 students have received scholarships, from 120 different disadvantaged families. Nguyen Dong's family in Nhon Hai commune, Ninh Thuan province, is difficult. He has to raise two young children alone, both of school age, while his job is unstable.

“The situation is difficult, but in return my two children study hard and achieve good results, so I have to try hard to raise them. My children have received scholarships from VIR, I am delighted. They not only help us with more funds to buy books, but are also a great source of encouragement for the children," Dong said.

A certificate of merit from the programme now stands proudly on the wall in his home.

Throughout the central provinces, year after year, the fund diligently helps hundreds of children on their journey.

At the end of June 2023, Swing for Kids scholarships went to the central province of Phu Yen's Dong Xuan district, more than 50km from Tuy Hoa city. The trip created many loving stories: 100 scholarships were given to students who overcame difficulties and achieved high academic achievements in the district.

The scholarship awards were attended by Pham Dai Duong, Secretary of Phu Yen Party Committee, and Deputy Chairwoman of Phu Yen People's Committee Ho Thi Nguyen Thao.

Tran Trang Nha, a student at Nguyen Viet Xuan Secondary School in Da Loc commune was overjoyed.

“We are very grateful and hope that the Swing for Kids Scholarship will grow stronger and continue to be a companion for difficult students. From this fund, many students will gain wings and extend their dreams to strive, study and contribute to their homeland," Nha said.

“Previous scholarship awards ceremony have always had the attendance of the Secretary of Phu Yen Party Committee. This shows his special interest in the cause of promoting education in the province and giving more motivation to local students," VIR's editor-in-chief Le Trong Minh said.

Swing for the Kids" scholarships: Love lingers!

Dreaming big

The scholarship award ceremony for students in Hoa Nhon commune in the central coastal city Danang at the end of December 2022 is hard to forget. At that time, Danang had just experienced a historic flood. The sudden flood swept away the clothes and books of many students in Hoa Vang district. At that difficult time, VIR awarded 100 scholarships, worth VND100 million ($4,200), to students in Hoa Nhon.

Ngo Van Dat, Deputy Chairman of Hoa Nhon People's Committee, said that the scholarships came to the students promptly, supporting them to buy books and clothes to return to school.

“VIR and sponsors awarded 100 scholarships to children in the most difficult situations. That is truly valuable and is a great source of encouragement for students to follow their dreams and overcome difficulties," Dat said.

Launched in 2007, VIR's annual charity golf tournament for Vietnamese children - Swing for the Kids - is a profound act of charity and kindness, helping poor students to overcome difficulties and study well, creating a better world.

Vo Dinh Tien, director of Phu Yen Department of Planning and Investment, said that in addition to aiding socioeconomic development, VIR has implemented many volunteer programmes in the province, through the scholarships.

“VIR's scholarship fund is very humane and meaningful. For many years, it has supported many students in localities of Phu Yen. Meaningful gifts have helped share difficulties and encouraged children to strive in life," Tien said. "VIR has also actively accompanied the socioeconomic development process, especially promoting and attracting investment in the province. We greatly appreciate the contributions of the newspaper, creating a practical connection with the locality. We believe that the Swing for Kids Scholarship Fund will continue to develop to help students across the country."

Le Thi Thanh Thuy, director of Ninh Thuan Economic Development Office, said the scholarships were bringing joy and motivation to students.

“Cooperating with VIR not only brings efficiency in communication about the province's socioeconomic development, but we can also join hands to help poor students, and take care of the country's future generations," Thuy said.

VIR tees up 'Swing For the Kids' An annual charity golf tournament organised by VIR is ready to tee off on October 21 with the objective of bringing opportunity and hope to talented but disadvantaged students across the country. This year’s 'Swing for the Kids' event will be held at the Kings Course, hosted by BRG Kings Island Golf Resort in Dong Mo, Son Tay district, Hanoi. The registration fee is VND3.5 million ($147.6) per golfer.

No constraints for those with a desire to contribute Scholarships through the Swing for the Kids charity golf events over the years are reaching further afield, helping to realise the dreams of many disadvantaged children.

Disadvantaged students feel the love of charity endeavour The Swing for the Kids charity golf tournament this year will see another round of collaboration between sponsors, businesses, and benefactors, all in the name of helping disadvantaged young people.

Swing for the Kids The upcoming Swing for the Kids charity golf event is highlighting the work of the Ministry of Planning and Investment in supporting disadvantaged people over the years.